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Sparta January 25th 1866
Gen W. Swayne
Montg

Sir
Can I apprentice children without consent of a mother or is it my duty whenever there is a mother or father alive or known to obtain their consent to such apprenticeship however unable they may be to maintain their children. again suppose a woman has Seven children aged from Seven years to eighteen who with their assistance can provide them a bare support, can I apprentice any of them against her will. and which ones. Freedmen I find have a great antipathy to their children being apprenticed. I think however it is the result of ignorance of the contract and a want of confidence in the faithful performance of their guardian.

If the contracts under this apprentice system can be faithfully carried out it will afford to black children the surest means of an education
hoping to hear from you soon when this upon this subject
I remain your obt sevt 
Jno M Henderson
Judge of Probate 
Conecuh County Conecuh Ala